Lanka expresses concern on security situation in Indian Ocean region

Sri Lanka on Thursday expressed concern on the security situation in the Indian Ocean and sea lines of communication as well as the rise of religious extremism in the region.

Speaking at the 'Defence Seminar 2019' here, defence secretary General (Retd) Shantha Kottegoda said as a result of this fluid security situation in the region in connection with terrorism and rebellions, peaceful nation states too have taken steps to strengthen their military forces to deter any emerging threat to their peaceful existence.

"The Indian Ocean contains very vital sea routes that connects the East and West, which have become the life line for many nation states not only within the rim of it, but also all those who depend on sea line communication for commerce, energy resources, explorations and military domination of the region," he said.

Kottegoda said, "Many forms of military developments are taking place in the Indian Ocean region in the present era."